The reason why sellers don't want escalation clauses is simple: It introduces the risk that they'll sell the house for less than what would be your best and final offer.
The reason why sellers don't want escalation clauses is simple: It introduces the risk that they'll sell the house for less than what would be your best and final offer.
However, buyers need to be careful with these clauses as they can sometimes backfire. “An escalation clause needs to be in conjunction with a really good offer,” said Madani of Room Real Estate. “It's really the whole package to get your offer accepted.”
Escalation Clauses: what has been your experience the last year? For example with a house going for $300K, you may add an escalation clause to your $325K offer saying you'll offer $10K more than any other higher offer up to a max of $355K.
To add, yes, escalation clauses are highly advisable. I use them for almost every single house my buyer is going to write an offer on and we know for certain there will be other offers. The escalation clause in itself is very favorable to buyers and protects them in more ways than one.
Make an offer to the seller that includes the escalation clause addendum, spelling out the original offer, with the escalation document attached. The seller will provide evidence of potential competing offers. The buyer will receive the courtesy call and may increase their offer using the escalation clause.
Including an escalation clause may put you at risk for paying more than what the property was appraised for. Just because someone else is making a higher offer doesn't necessarily mean the home is worth that amount.